Study in Australia

You can’t apply for a [Student Visa (subclass 500)](/en/australia/visas/STUDENT-500 visa) until you’re accepted by an Australian education provider. Admission comes first.

Australian immigration law ties your visa to a specific course, which must be full-time and registered on CRICOS.

Secure Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Once accepted, your institution issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This document proves you have a spot in a registered course.

A valid CoE is needed for each course you plan to study. If you’re taking programs back-to-back, enrolment confirmation is needed for all.

Don’t let your CoE lapse during the visa process. If it becomes invalid, your application may be affected.

Meet English Language Requirements

Most applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency. The institution tells you what level is required.

If you’re not exempt, prepare your English test results before lodging your visa application. You’ll attach this to your Student Visa (subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs.

Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your full stay. This applies to everyone included in your visa application.

Your OSHC should begin before you enter Australia. Don’t travel before your health cover starts.

Check Your Current Visa Status (If in Australia)

If you’re applying from inside Australia, you need to hold an eligible substantive visa at the time of application. Review your current visa conditions before proceeding.

Don’t assume you can switch visas without meeting this requirement.

Prepare for the Student Visa (subclass 500) Application

Once you have your CoE and OSHC arranged, you can proceed to the visa stage with the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare your documents:

• Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Evidence of English proficiency (if required)
• Proof of OSHC for all applicants
• Any other supporting documents required

Applications missing documents slow things down and risk refusal.

Plan Ahead for Future Options

If you want to stay in Australia after graduation, look into the [Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)](/en/australia/visas/GRADUATE-485 visa). This is a separate visa from the Student Visa (subclass 500) and comes with its own requirements.

Your first priority is securing admission and keeping your enrolment valid. Without an active CoE, you can’t move forward with your student visa.

You apply for the Student Visa (subclass 500)) through the Department of Home Affairs. You must be at least 6 years old and enrolled in an eligible course before you submit your application.

Submit your application online using your ImmiAccount. Apply before your course begins or before your current visa expires.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

Create or log in to your ImmiAccount.

Access the Department of Home Affairs online system and start your Student Visa (subclass 500) application.

Gather your required documents.

Include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for every course you intend to study. Without the right enrolment evidence, Home Affairs won’t process your application.

Prepare supporting evidence.

Include documents that show:

You have enough money to support your stay in Australia. Details of any family members included in your application. A polio vaccination certificate, if you apply from a country at risk. A completed Form 1545 COVID‑19 Impacted Student from your education provider, if requesting a fee waiver

Complete the online form carefully.

Declare all family members, even if not travelling with you. Don’t submit false or misleading information. Home Affairs may refuse your visa and impose a 10‑year ban for serious misrepresentation.

Pay the visa application charge.

Pay the required fee in AUD (A$) through ImmiAccount. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the current amount.

Submit your application and monitor processing.

Use the visa processing times guide from Home Affairs to get a sense of decision timelines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete applications cause delays or refusals. Missing a CoE, failing to declare family members, or omitting required documents can make your application invalid.

Submit clear and accurate information from the start. Your documents need to match your course plans.

If you finish your studies and want to stay in Australia for work, you may consider the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)). That’s a separate application through Home Affairs after you complete your qualification.

After finishing your course, review your visa status and future plans. Your Student Visa (subclass 500)) doesn’t automatically convert into another visa.

The Department of Home Affairs manages all visa applications and decisions. You must meet the legal requirements in place at the time you apply.

Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

To remain in Australia after your studies, you may consider the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)).

Home Affairs assesses this visa under Australian migration law. All eligibility requirements in effect at application time must be met.

Applicants aged 16 years and over need to meet the character requirement. Prepare police clearances or other documents if requested, as Home Affairs will check your background before granting a visa.

Don’t rely on informal advice. Refer to Department of Home Affairs guidance for current criteria and required documents.

If Your Education Provider Defaults

If your education provider closes or can’t deliver your course, your visa position may change. You’ll need to act quickly to protect your status.

Follow these steps:

1. Confirm the default: Get written evidence that your provider has defaulted.

2. Arrange new enrolment: Secure a place with another registered provider as soon as you can.

3. Lodge a new Student Visa (subclass 500) application: Submit your application within 12 months of provider default to qualify for a Visa Application Charge (VAC) exemption.

4. Meet all standard requirements: You still need to satisfy health, character, and other legal criteria.

If you apply after the 12‑month period, the VAC exemption won’t apply. Home Affairs will assess your case under standard rules.

Character and Ongoing Compliance

Visa compliance continues after graduation. Any new visa application, including the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), requires you to meet the character requirement if you’re 16 or older.

You’re responsible for maintaining lawful status at all times. Track your visa expiry date and lodge any new application before your current visa ends.

Studying in Australia requires planning beyond your final semester. Review Department of Home Affairs guidance and prepare your documents early to avoid gaps in lawful stay.

Most Student Visa (subclass 500)) refusals are avoidable if you submit a complete and well‑documented application to the Department of Home Affairs. Incomplete files and weak financial evidence often trigger delays and refusals.

Home Affairs reviews supporting documents closely. You need to provide clear, consistent evidence that matches your application.

Incomplete Documentation

You must lodge your Student Visa (subclass 500) application with all required documents at the time of submission. Missing paperwork increases risk and can hurt your credibility.

Common problem areas:

• Missing confirmation documents from your education provider
• Incomplete financial records
• Failure to include required exchange program evidence

Secondary exchange students must provide a properly completed Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form. An unsigned or incomplete form can result in refusal.

Don’t expect Home Affairs to request missing items. The burden of proof is yours.

Financial Capacity Errors

Financial evidence is a common issue. You must show genuine access to the funds you claim.

Home Affairs expects:

• Recent bank statements
• A clear history of funds, not sudden unexplained deposits
• Evidence that you can actually access the money

Large unexplained deposits raise concerns. Funds that look temporarily parked may not satisfy the requirement.

If someone supports you financially, your documentation must clearly show the source and availability of those funds. Unsupported claims won’t be enough.

COVID-19 Related Claims

If you claim COVID-19 affected your circumstances, you must provide credible supporting evidence. General statements about disruption won’t help.

Home Affairs will look for documentation that your claimed impact is both real and relevant to your application.

Transition Planning Mistakes

Some students believe they can automatically stay in Australia after graduation. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)) is a separate application with its own criteria.

Don’t make assumptions about future eligibility. Plan early and keep your records organized throughout your studies.

Every document you submit for your Student Visa (subclass 500) can affect later applications. Accuracy and consistency matter from the start.

Your responsibilities continue after you receive a Student Visa (subclass 500)). Home Affairs expects you to meet ongoing conditions throughout your stay.

If you want to bring family, you need to show evidence of enrollment and confirm arrangements for each dependent. Each family member must meet the same health requirements as you.

Health Insurance Requirements

You’re required to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay in Australia. This applies to you and anyone coming with you.

Keep your health insurance valid at all times. If you let it lapse, your visa status could be at risk.

You’ll need:

• Proof of valid OSHC for your full stay
• Details of your health insurance policy and coverage
• Evidence that each dependent has appropriate cover

Home Affairs expects you to meet Australia’s health standards both when you apply and while you’re here.

Documents and Declarations

If you’re 18 or older, you must read the Life in Australia booklet and sign an Australian Values Statement to confirm you understand Australian laws and values.

For applicants under 18, submit a completed and signed Form 1229 (Consent form) from a parent or legal guardian. Missing consent documentation can slow down processing.

When applying from outside Australia, keep an eye on the Student visa processing priorities published by Home Affairs. processing times shift, so you need to plan around them.

Planning Beyond Your Studies

Before your course finishes, think about your next visa steps. Many graduates look at the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)) to stay in Australia after their studies.

Each visa comes with its own requirements and conditions. Review the criteria issued by Home Affairs before you make decisions.

Keep up with your visa conditions, maintain valid OSHC, and keep your documents accurate to avoid issues during your studies and with any future applications.

Choosing your institution affects your visa approval and long-term plans. Your course and provider must meet immigration requirements before you apply.

Confirm CRICOS Registration

You can only enroll in a course listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

If your course isn’t registered, you can’t use it to support a Student Visa (subclass 500)) application.

Ask the institution to confirm its CRICOS registration and the exact course name. These details must match your visa application.

Secure Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Before applying for a visa, you need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

The CoE proves you’ve been accepted into an eligible course. Without it, Home Affairs won’t process your Student Visa (subclass 500) application.

Check that the course dates and personal details on your CoE are correct. Mistakes can delay or affect your application.

Check Visa Alignment With Your Study Plans

Your course should fit your immigration plans.

If you’re considering the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)) later, check that your course is suitable for that pathway before enrolling.

Meeting course requirements doesn’t guarantee a visa. Home Affairs assesses each application individually.

Prepare for the Student Visa Application Process

Once you’ve picked your institution and received your CoE, take these steps:

Create an ImmiAccount.

Use it to complete and manage your Student Visa (subclass 500) application.

Enter your personal details accurately.

Include biographical information and details about any family members.

Upload required documents.

Make sure your CoE and supporting documents match your application details.

Submit the application through the Department of Home Affairs.

Watch your ImmiAccount for updates.

Key Documents Checklist

Pick your institution carefully. Your enrollment must support your Student Visa (subclass 500) and any future plans for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

You need to show you can support yourself financially before Home Affairs will grant a Student Visa (subclass 500)). Scholarships can help with costs and, in some cases, impact your visa charges.

If you get a scholarship funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia, you don’t have to pay a visa application charge. The same applies if the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade supports you or your family.

Government-Funded Scholarships and Visa Charges

A Commonwealth-funded award can cover more than tuition or living costs—it can also remove the visa application charge for your Student Visa (subclass 500).

Keep official confirmation of your scholarship. Home Affairs expects clear evidence that the funding comes from the Commonwealth Government.

Your eligibility can still be affected by previous visa refusals or cancellations. A scholarship doesn’t override compliance concerns.

Proving Financial Capacity

Even with funding, you must prove you can support your stay in Australia. Home Affairs checks whether you can cover living costs, tuition, and travel.

You can use:

• Scholarship confirmation letters
• Bank deposit statements
• Approved education loans
• Financial guarantees

The documents must clearly identify you and show accessible funds. Incomplete or unclear evidence can hold up your application.

If you include family members, you must show you can support them too.

Required Supporting Documents

You’ll need documents confirming:

• Your identity
• Enrolment in a registered course
• Financial capacity
• Any scholarship funding

If you’re under 18, you also need evidence of welfare arrangements and parental consent. Where a guardian is required, submit Form 157N for the nominated guardian.

Missing welfare documentation can prevent visa approval, even if you have enough funding.

Processing and Planning Ahead

Home Affairs publishes visa processing times and quarterly reports. Review them before you apply to plan around enrolment dates.

If you later apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)), you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements in place at that time. Your record as a Student Visa holder will be considered.

Strong financial documents and clear scholarship evidence help avoid delays. Prepare your documents carefully before lodging your application with Home Affairs.